Aflatoxin B1, M1 and Ochratoxin A Levels in Infant Formulae and Baby Foods Marketed in Ankara, Turkey

TERKEN BAYDAR*, PINAR ERKEKOGLU, HANDE SIPAHI AND GONUL SAHIN

(Received: August 30, 2006; Accepted: December 15, 2006)

   Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), and ochratoxin A (OTA) that may lead to severe problems in children’s health were evaluated in commonly consumed various types of baby foods.  In the present study, 63 infant formulae, follow on formulae and baby foods were randomly collected from pharmacies and supermarkets in Ankara, Turkey. AFB1, AFM1, and OTA levels were assessed by commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits.  AFB1, AFM1 and OTA levels were found in 87, 36.5 and 40% of the samples between 0.10-6.04 ppb, 0.06-0.32 ppb and 0.27-4.50 ppb, respectively.  We suggest that mycotoxin contamination should be routinely monitored in foods for babies in order to reduce food-borne hazards in infants and young children.

Key words: aflatoxin, baby food, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), food safety, mycotoxin, ochratoxin